"small, humble"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Paula
Pronunciation: [ p-AWL-uh ]
Does Paula flow with your last name?
A timeless Latin name meaning small and humble
Spanish
Italian
German
English
Brazilian
Classic
Traditional
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Gentle
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Paula
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"little"
Origin: Roman
Language: Latin
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The Story of Paula
Paula is the Latin feminine form of Paul, which derives from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble.' The name entered early Christian culture through Saint Paul the Apostle, whose letters form a cornerstone of the New Testament. Saint Paula of Rome (347–404) was a wealthy Roman widow who became a devoted follower of Saint Jerome and founded monastic communities in Bethlehem, cementing the feminine form's sacred reputation.
Paula was a top-50 American name from the 1940s through the 1960s, popularized in part by the 1962 hit song 'Hey Paula' by Paul & Paula. It declined steadily from the 1970s onward as tastes shifted toward more elaborate names. In Spanish-speaking countries, 'Paola' (the Italian/Spanish variant) remains very popular.
Paula has a strong presence in German, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese cultures. In Germany, it's been experiencing a revival as a vintage name. The feast of Saint Paula (January 26) is celebrated in Catholic traditions throughout Europe and Latin America.
Historical Record
Paula first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 224,787 babies have been named Paula in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Paula is past its peak , currently ranked #753 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The 1962 hit song 'Hey Paula' by Paul & Paula reached #1 in the US and significantly boosted the name's popularity in the early 1960s
- Saint Paula of Rome was the primary patron of the Hieronymite Order and one of the most learned women in the early Christian church
Paula in Other Languages
French
Paule
German
Paula
Italian
Paola
Russian
Паула
Spanish
Paula
Portuguese
Paula
Popularity Over Time
#753
Current Rank
Peaked 1954
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Paula
P
Paula Radcliffe
Athlete
1973
British long-distance runner who held the women's marathon world record for 16 years
P
Paula Abdul
Entertainer
1962
American singer, dancer, and choreographer; original judge on American Idol
P
Paula Deen
Other
1947
American celebrity chef and TV personality known for Southern cuisine
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #753
- Total SSA Count
- 374
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian German English Brazilian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Polly
Pau
Paulie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Paula
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Paula is also used as a boy name, ranked #18133.
View Paula as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paula
What does the name Paula mean?
"small, humble" (from Latin). "little" (from Roman). Paula is the Latin feminine form of Paul, which derives from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble.' The name entered early Christian culture through Saint Paul the Apostle, whose letters form a cornerstone of the New Testament. Saint Paula of Rome (347–404) was a wealthy Roman widow who became a devoted follower of Saint Jerome and founded monastic communities in Bethlehem, cementing the feminine form's sacred reputation.
What is the origin of the name Paula?
Paula has Latin, Roman, Spanish, Italian, German, English, and Brazilian origins. In Latin, it means "small, humble". In Roman, it means "little".
Is Paula a boy or girl name?
Paula is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #753. As a boy name, it is ranked #18133. Paula is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Paula?
Paula is pronounced p-AWL-uh.
How popular is the name Paula?
Paula is currently ranked #753 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paula?
Common nicknames for Paula include Polly, Pau, and Paulie.
What are good middle names for Paula?
Popular middle name pairings include Paula Marie, Paula Ann, Paula Jean, Paula Grace, Paula Elizabeth, Paula Louise, and Paula Kay.
What are good sibling names for Paula?
Names that pair well with Paula as siblings include Peter, Patricia, Michael, Barbara, Mark, Susan, and David.
How many syllables does Paula have?
Paula has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Paula a common or rare name?
Paula is moderately common, ranked #753 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Paula?
About the Name Paula
Paula is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, German, English, and Brazilian origins . The name means "small, humble" in Latin .
Is Paula a boy or girl name? Paula is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #753 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #18,133. Paula is more commonly used as a girl name.
Paula is currently ranked #753 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Paula has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-AWL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Paula include Polly, Pau, and Paulie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Paula include Paulina, Paulette, Pauline . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis